A good rheumatologist is not how well you diagnose a rheumatological condition but how well you disprove one.

"We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things,[7] not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win" JFK

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Yesterday marked the final day helming Persatuan SLE Malaysia (http://lupusmalaysia.org), a patient support group for SLE / lupus. The journey started in 2012 and time whizzed by rather quickly. It’s been 6 years.

Reflecting on those years have made me realise how tenacious our lupus warriors can be. I feel honoured that I have been given an opportunity to be a small part of their lives as each fights their personal battles while trying tirelessly to help those that truly need their help. Their smiles and laughter were undeniably genuine, so were the brave faces during the trying times of being ill.

My final term ended on a sadder note of having lost one of our committee members. She has taught me that life continues even in the face of adversity. We sometimes don’t even understand what true adversity really is. Her strength and determination to lead a normal life was palpable. Her positivity was infectious.

This is family. That’s what those years have taught me. If there was any success, it was about making a small difference in each and every one of those lives, when it mattered most. It’s about being a better listener. It’s about being able to share the joy of good health. It’s about experiencing sincerity and passion.

It has been surreal since the recently concluded 14th general election. Personally, this was not the predicted result. At best, it would be close but to take over Putrajaya, it was just unthinkable. Malaysians have grown accustomed to the ruling Barisan National taking power despite all the ramblings of corruption and inefficiencies.

This was different. It’s an invigorating feeling to know that the people of Malaysia was mature enough to know what they all wish for, a better Malaysia. It is a testament to the world that democracy is alive and kicking in a country once known for branding its own democracy, whatever that means.

People power now has a meaning in Malaysia. We have set the benchmark for the world. Removing a corrupt, divisive and non-transparent government was a display of where true power lies, the citizens of Malaysia.

It is time to “Make Malaysia Great Again”! It is time to improve our education system, left decadent for decades, and used as a political power play. It is time to be transparent and ensure that we uphold the Constitution and the rule of law at all times. It is time to clamp down on rampant corruption and wastage within the Government agencies. It is time to allow the judiciary to do its job.

It is time to unite all the races for one common goal of making Malaysia great again.

The pure joy of being able to be part of an immersive experience with songs they idolised is refreshing. This moment was captured, temporarily freezing time. The need to live for the moment is a lesson I am constantly being reminded of when I am with my kids. It is them telling me, “Daddy, come play with us, we are growing up and won’t stay this way!” As their parent, we already miss the previous versions of them and know that they are “upgrading” with each new day. And soon this moment will be a distant memory.

May was Lupus Awareness Month. This is to increase public knowledge of lupus and devastating this condition can be. It affects predominantly young females, a period where life is just beginning, whether it is their careers or their family. It is a vulnerable period for many, leading to depression and withdrawal from society. Some leave not only physical disfigurement but mental and emotional scars as well.

Vbuzz was an English variety show on Astro Vinmeen HD. Being on TV always adds additional stress when you have to look physically your best and be aware of all your irritating mannerisms when speaking. The hosts and producers were very reassuring. Many thanks to Loh Yu Mi for taking the pictures.

This was followed a few days later on BFM 89.9, the business channel. The interview was done by Meera Sivasothy. The message was again lupus and what the Malaysia SLE Association does for lupus patients.